Closing Your Pool: Above-Ground in Freezing Conditions

The summer swimming season is coming to a close, and it's time to start getting your pool ready for the cold winter months. Properly winterizing your pool water and equipment will save time and money when you re-open your pool in the spring, so you can start enjoying it again as soon as the weather warms up. If you live in a climate where there are freezing temperatures in the winter, it's especially important to close your pool properly because freezing water can seriously damage your pipes and equipment.

If your temperatures will be below freezing in the winter, and you have an above-ground pool, follow these steps to close your pool at the end of the season:

1. One week prior to pool closing, add 14 fluid ounces of Pool Magic + PHOSfree per 10,000 gallons via the skimmer.
2. Brush and vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove all dirt, leaves and debris.
3. Add 1 liter of Metal Free per 20,000 gallons by pouring around the pool perimeter.
4. Bring the total alkalinity into the 120-140 ppm range. Adjust the pH to 7.4-7.6.
5. Adjust calcium hardness to 200-400 ppm.
6. Add one pint of Leslie's Algae Control per 12,500 gallons by mixing it with water and pouring it around the pool perimeter. Wait one hour.
7. Shock the pool with Leslie's Fresh 'N Clear; at the rate of two pounds per 10,000 gallons by broadcasting the product over the pool surface.
8. Bring the chlorine level to 1.5-3.0 ppm.
9. Let the pump run for at least one complete cycle after adding chemicals. Backwash or manually clean the filter.
10. Remove the inlet (directional or eyeball) fitting, which is located on the inside pool wall, usually 6 to 12" below the water line. Insert a winterizing plug in this inlet.
11. Lower the water level 4"-6" below the skimmer.
12. Remove the drain plugs from the pump strainer basket housing, the pump volute, the filter tank, and the heater.
13. Disconnect the filter hoses from the skimmer fitting and from the pool return fitting.
14. Drain the automatic chlorinator, if applicable.
15. Move equipment to a non-freezing location, such as your basement.
16. Place all the drain plugs in the strainer basket of the pump and replace the strainer cover.
17. Remove all articles such as ladders, hoses, over-the-top skimmers, etc. If you have an automatic pool cleaner, remove it and drain it completely. Lay the hoses out straight in a non-freezing location.
18. Inflate air pillows and tie air pillows to a stationary object. If more than one pillow is needed, tie them together using the grommets located on the pillows' corners.
19. Size the cover.
20. Cover the pool and secure it using a cable and winch. Use Above-Ground Wall Bags to secure the scover, if necessary.

During the winter season, check the chemical balance at least once a month and visually inspect the pool. If you have any questions about how to properly prepare your pool for the winter months, visit your local Leslie's store or call 1-800-LESLIES.